CORY HARRIS is the only non-international in the Warriors' starting line-up but the flanker has been arguably their most influential player.

The Kiwi-born openside has emerged as his side's talisman during this season's impressive Heineken Cup campaign.

The 28-year-old has been part of a formidable back-row combination for the Warriors who have stood toe-to-toe with English champions Wasps and French rugby's big spenders Perpignan.

The Warriors face Calvisano in Italy this afternoon needing to win and bag a bonus point to stand any chance of a quarter-final place.

The Welsh side also have to hope that Perpignan beat Rob Howley and Co in France, but one thing is for certain is that Harris will relish the encounter.

And Harris appears to be one of those unsung heroes and lucky players every side needs.

Of course there have been a pocketful of yellow cards, but his uncompromising attitude has won him admirers.

The openside certainly doesn't feel he is out of his depth playing alongside the likes of Neil Jenkins, Dafydd James and Gareth Thomas.

"I am an honest person," said Harris. "I do like being different from all the other players.

"Playing with 14 international players and being the odd one out is an inspiration for me.

"Everybody wants to play with high-calibre players but I do think I do a job for the side.

"Every player wants to play at the highest level they can. That is why I came to Wales and I think the Heineken Cup is a world-renowned competition.

"For me it's just great to see if I can play alongside these guys and go as far as I can."

The Warriors have already shown their potential in this season's Heineken Cup with victories over Wasps and Perpignan.

And that is from a side that has only been together for a few months and have had to suffer so many distractions off the field.

There is no doubt that the Warriors could be a major force in European rugby over the next few seasons, if given the chance to thrive.

"We know what everybody thinks we are capable of," said Harris.

"But I have huge respect for the Scarlets, they have been the Welsh team to have led the way since I have been here.

"They have proved themselves in Europe every season, but it's a bit different for us because we have had to create a new identity."The Scarlets have just really carried on from last year when we have had two different teams come together.

"I do think in a couple of season we will do really well. What is good to see is that everybody is starting to get behind the Warriors.

"We know that is because we have been doing well but it is because Bridgend and Pontypridd do share a similar attitude.

"Both clubs are about coming out fighting when your backs are against the wall."

Harris admits that, as a Kiwi, he didn't know if he would be considered for a regional contract at the end of last season.

But the New Zealander does have a Principality Cup and Premier Division title to his name in his short stint in Welsh rugby.

The flanker does believe having Welsh-qualified players playing regional rugby is key to any success for Welsh rugby.

"Like everybody else I wasn't sure what was going to happen," said Harris.

"I was surprised to be picked but I did know both coaches and the management teams because I played for both clubs.

"They know what I can do and I would hope I have proved that. Having Welsh players playing in the regional sides is right.

"For me it is the way to go, but while everything is settling down I think you just need the best players available playing. That is what will be the best for Welsh rugby and I understand that. You need the best Welsh players playing in the top competitions.

"There is the talent here and the coaches and I have seen myself some of the great young players coming through."

Harris does believe that the Warriors are an unrecognisable side from the one that first faced Italian minnows Calvisano at the start of Europe.

"I don't think we had gelled as a team in the first game," said Harris. "But now we know we can compete and we have a different mindset. We know Calvisano are a quality side and people have to remember that.

"Now we know what they are capable of and have to back ourselves. We know it's going to be tough but we do know we have to concentrate on winning.

"Once we have done that we can worry about the bonus points and getting the tries. We have to play to get the win, we know we cannot afford to think about anything else."